Cristiano Ronaldo will face a three-match ban after this incident during Real Madrid's win over Cordoba on Saturday.

The Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a furious bust-up on the pitch, in which he first kicked Brazilian defender Edimar, and also gave him a slap to the face, to earn a red card in the 82nd minute - the ninth of his career.

Ronaldo was also caught on camera throwing a punch towards an opposition player after scuffling at a corner.

And as he trudged off the pitch, he appeared to point at the badge on his Madrid shirt commemorating his Ballon d'Or win last month.

He later apologised in Spanish on Twitter for the incident for which he was dismissed.

A translation of the tweet read: "I apologise to all and especially to Edimar by my reckless act in the match today."

The score was 1-1 when the Portuguese was sent off, but the La Liga leaders rallied to take all three points back to the Spanish capital.

Nabil Ghilas gave the hosts an early lead from the spot, before Karim Benzema equalised for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo's dismissal gave Gareth Bale the opportunity to score the winner with a penalty with just one minute of normal time remaining.

Cristiano will miss Real's games with Sociedad, Sevilla and the Madrid derby with Atletico through suspension.